Herpes virus linked to Alzheimer's disease



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Scientists have found evidence of a link between herpes infection and Alzheimer's disease as well as the potential of antivirals in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disease.

In the study, people suffering from severe herpes were treated aggressively. With antiviral drugs, the relative risk of dementia has been reduced by a factor of 10.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infects most humans in their youth or later and stays in the body for life in dormant form, in the peripheral nervous system.

A study conducted by Taiwanese epidemiologists shows that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) leads to an increased risk of developing the disease, said researchers at the University of Manchester.

In a commentary published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease on the three articles, the team argued that they provide the strongest evidence yet for a causal link between herpes infection and Alzheimer's disease.

"I believe we are the first to realize the implications of these striking data for this devastating disease that primarily affects the elderly, and no effective treatment is yet available," said Professor Ruth Itzhaki. 19659002] "But we believe that these safe and readily available antivirals can have an important role to play in the fight against the disease in these patients.

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